On Saturday, December 27, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Washington Capitals after a short holiday break. The game began at 7 p.m. and took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils fell short 4-3, after a close game that went into overtime. The Devils have now lost their last three games.
As the first period began, both teams started strong, defensively and offensively. However, the first penalty of the night went to both Devils defenseman Colton White and Capitals forward Anthony Beauvillier who received two-minute roughing penalties, which made it four on four. Before the first period concluded, the Capitals scored first; Aliaksei Protas with a snap shot, crediting his 14th goal of the season with an assist by Alex Ovechkin.
The Devils have been facing some goaltending issues in the most recent games, often goals that have slipped passed the net and were inevitable, however, had the potential to be saved. These small misshaps have been contributing to the Devils losses. The Devils current goaltenders are Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen.
Heading into the second period, nearly five minutes in, the Devils headed to the power play; Capitals right winger Brandon Duhaime served a two-minute minor of hooking against Devils defenseman Brett Pesce. On the power play, Devils left winger Jesper Bratt took action and put up a snap shot goal, tying the game 1-1. Devils Captain Nico Hischier and forward Stefan Noesen were credited with the assists on Bratt’s power play goal.
This was the only goal for the Devils of the second period, however, they had gone to the power play once more and killed a penalty before the Capitals scored again. Beauvillier won the lead back 2-1, with Protas earning the assist on Beauvillier’s snap shot goal.
As the third period began, it was a very intense one for the Devils as they started down by one, needing to up the scoring and gain an advantage against the Capitals. Bratt came in clutch, scoring back-to-back tying goals, tying the game 2-2 with a wrist shot.
32 seconds after Bratt’s second goal, forward Cody Glass gave the Devils a 3-2 lead over the Capitals. His snap shot was assisted by Connor Brown and Brenden Dillon.
It did not take long for the Capitals to strike back. Ovechkin scored his 15th goal of the season, with assists by Rasmus Sandin and Protas, ultimately tying the game 3-3. This final goal of the third period carried the tied game into overtime.
Overtime began; it’s often exhilirating, always nerve-racking, as pressure rises and both teams must adjust; a five minute period which almost always ends the night. Unfortunately for the Devils, the Capitals scored the overtime winner, winning 4-3. Jakob Chychrun scored the overtime goal, his 15th of the season with assists by Nic Dowd and Dylan Strome. The Devils fought strong in overtime, not giving up. This team always puts up a good fight but sometimes the luck isn’t there or the team chemistry is off.
The New Jersey Devils will next play the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tuesday night, December 30 at 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
